To help boost kidney transplantation and patient well-being Manchester United Great Andy Cole is launching a research fund.
Three years ago the 48-year-old underwent a life-saving transplant who had Kidney failure in 2015. The former player is still in isolation due to a coronavirus pandemic
Through the Andy Cole Fund run by Kidney Research UK, Cole is now working to support others, concentrating on work to improve kidney transplantation and patient well-being.
Cole has been mentally strong enough to play football, but this is the toughest battle he has ever had to deal with.
“I don’t want anyone to end up struggling as I did. The mental battle is bigger than the physical problem. Your mind is the most powerful thing in the world.” the former England striker said.
Cole’s goal now is to find better ways to help make life better for people living with kidney disease or a transplant.
Cole added: “If I can help anybody else, then I’ll do just that. I’m calling on anyone who is touched by my story to support the fund and give hope to kidney patients. We need hope now more than ever.”
Over the next three years, with mental health and well-being at the heart – and especially under-researched area for kidney disease, the Andy Cole Fund seeks to raise at least £500,000.
Kidney Research UK Chief Executive Sandra Currie said, “We know that kidney failure can turn people’s lives upside down. It’s a terrifying time.
“Dialysis is grueling, and life with a transplant – if you are fortunate enough to get one – is filled with uncertainty and risk.
“Kidney failure affects not only the patients but their families and loved ones.”
